BACKGROUND
This is a continuation of the sixth trumpet in the second set of judgments.
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| The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Volume 2, p. 950 |
The purpose of the mighty angel holding the little scroll is to announce the final judgments on the earth, and there would be "no more delay!" When the seventh angel comes to blow the seventh trumpet (11:15), the mystery of God (Ephesians 1:9,10) that had been previously announced to His prophets will be accomplished (Daniel 12:9). Then all will know the Lord and the truth about Him (Jeremiah 31:34).
The angel instructed John to eat the scroll which turns from sweet in his mouth to sour in his stomach. Ezekiel had a vision of a scroll that he was told to eat. It was sweet in his mouth but the contents of it brought bitter destruction for those who did not follow God (Ezekiel 3:1ff).
REFLECTION
I had a light bulb moment about the sweet scroll that turned sour in John's stomach! It is so much how I feel about the judgment of God! It is bittersweet! For a believer, it means that God's holiness will be displayed, and His justice will be established. He will be glorified. That is the sweet part (see also Jeremiah 15:16; Psalm 19:9-10; Matthew 4:4; 1 Peter 2:2; 1 Corinthians 3:1-2; Psalm 119:103).
God's Word has sweet promises, but it also has bitter prophecies and warnings of coming judgment. It makes me sad to think that others will be judged so harshly in the end for not "repenting of the works of their hands" (9:20). That is the bitter pill that we as believers must swallow, but it also should motivate us to be a part of what is really on God's heart: the proclamation of the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to every people, nation, tribe, and language (7:9; 10:11)! His message through us is one of both life and death (2 Corinthians 2:14-17). It is sweet for those who believe but bitter for those who do not.
APPLICATION
Pray for the lost today and for an opportunity to share the GOOD NEWS!
The angel instructed John to eat the scroll which turns from sweet in his mouth to sour in his stomach. Ezekiel had a vision of a scroll that he was told to eat. It was sweet in his mouth but the contents of it brought bitter destruction for those who did not follow God (Ezekiel 3:1ff).
REFLECTION
I had a light bulb moment about the sweet scroll that turned sour in John's stomach! It is so much how I feel about the judgment of God! It is bittersweet! For a believer, it means that God's holiness will be displayed, and His justice will be established. He will be glorified. That is the sweet part (see also Jeremiah 15:16; Psalm 19:9-10; Matthew 4:4; 1 Peter 2:2; 1 Corinthians 3:1-2; Psalm 119:103).
God's Word has sweet promises, but it also has bitter prophecies and warnings of coming judgment. It makes me sad to think that others will be judged so harshly in the end for not "repenting of the works of their hands" (9:20). That is the bitter pill that we as believers must swallow, but it also should motivate us to be a part of what is really on God's heart: the proclamation of the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to every people, nation, tribe, and language (7:9; 10:11)! His message through us is one of both life and death (2 Corinthians 2:14-17). It is sweet for those who believe but bitter for those who do not.
APPLICATION
Pray for the lost today and for an opportunity to share the GOOD NEWS!
PRAYER
Lord, Your message of judgment is bittersweet. We praise You for Your justice and holiness that will be displayed for all the world to see. We pray that many more would see You and the mystery that came at the first coming of Jesus and culminated in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus who was the Lamb who came to take away the sin of people from every nation, people, tribe, and language. Come with power to every people group in the world. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
(Have you checked out that Joshua Project prayer resource yet?)
Lord, Your message of judgment is bittersweet. We praise You for Your justice and holiness that will be displayed for all the world to see. We pray that many more would see You and the mystery that came at the first coming of Jesus and culminated in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus who was the Lamb who came to take away the sin of people from every nation, people, tribe, and language. Come with power to every people group in the world. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
(Have you checked out that Joshua Project prayer resource yet?)
1 comment:
Lord, what a pleasure it has been to pray for the unreached for over 40 years! There has been an explosion of people coming to You. You deserve the worship and praise.
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